Mondelez CEO Defends Russian Operations Despite Funding Ukraine War

Dirk Van de Put, the chief executive of Mondelez International, owner of Cadbury chocolate and Philadelphia cream cheese, has articulated a defence for the company's sustained presence in Russia since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Van de Put stated it was the "right decision" to remain, despite admitting he is "not pleased" that taxes paid in Russia contribute to funding the ongoing conflict.

He argued that a withdrawal would jeopardise thousands of local jobs and expose Mondelez's assets to potential seizure by the Russian state, a fate that would, in his view, provide the Kremlin with a greater financial benefit through continued product sales. Many Western corporations, such as McDonald's, opted to divest entirely from Russia following the full-scale invasion, while Mondelez ceased new investments and advertising expenditure.

Mondelez's Russian operations have generated between $1 billion and $1.4 billion annually since the invasion. This commercial engagement has drawn considerable criticism, with over 70 UK Members of Parliament signing a letter in the past year, urging Van de Put to sever business ties. Alex Sobel, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ukraine, contended that continued operation in Russia, given the documented civilian harm, is indefensible.

The company also maintains two manufacturing plants in Ukraine, both of which have reportedly sustained damage since the conflict began. Van de Put confirmed an office building was recently hit, though staff were safe, adding that one plant has been rebuilt twice at a cost of tens of millions. Mondelez has committed to ongoing investment in Ukraine, including doubling employee salaries and avoiding redundancies, acknowledging the daily peril faced by its workforce there.